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Costa Rica is exceptional among the Latin American countries for its long-standing democracy, approach to national security through unarmed neutrality, and advanced culture of peace. It is the oldest, most stable republic in Central America, having experienced only two brief interruptions to democratic rule since its establishment as a sovereign state in 1838. In addition, it enacted a constitutional ban on the standing army in 1948 and has managed its international relations according to a Declaration of Perpetual, Active, and Unarmed Neutrality since 1983. Costa Rica has also become a model in terms of the development of a culture of peace.

Development of Republican Democracy

Costa Rica was founded in 1838 as a constitutional republic. In keeping with their republican values, Costa Ricans rejected compulsory military service ...